The Lamborghini Murciélago (Spanish for “bat”) is a supercar produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 2001 and 2010. Successor to the Diablo and flagship of the automaker’s lineup, the Murciélago was introduced as a coupé in 2001. The Murcielago was first available in North America for the 2002 model year. The automaker’s first new design in eleven years, the car was also the brand’s first new model under the ownership of German parent company Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen. It is styled by Peruvian-born Belgian Luc Donckerwolke, Lamborghini’s head of design from 1998 to 2005.

A roadster version was introduced in 2004, followed by the updated LP 640 coupé and roadster and limited edition LP 650–4 Roadster. The final variation to wear the Murciélago nameplate was the LP 670–4 SuperVeloce, powered by the largest and final evolution of the Lamborghini V12 engine. Production of the Murciélago ended on 5 November 2010, with a total run of 4,099 cars. Its successor, the Aventador, was released at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670–4 SuperVeloce

The SuperVeloce’s V12 produces 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 8000 rpm and 660 N·m (490 lbf·ft) of torque at 6500 rpm, thanks to revised valve timing and upgraded intake system. The car’s weight was also reduced by 100 kg (220 lb) through extensive use of carbon fiber inside and out. A new lighter exhaust system was also used. As a result of the extensive weight loss, the SV produces a power-to-weight ratio of 429 bhp/long ton. Also standard were the LP 640’s optional 15-inch carbon-ceramic disc brakes with 6 piston calipers.

In its June 2009 issue, Car and Driver magazine estimated that the LP 670–4 SV is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standing start in just 2.9 seconds and on to 200 km/h (120 mph) in 7.4 seconds. Subsequent testing by Road and Track revealed a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 2.8 seconds and a quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds at 208.2 km/h (129.4 mph). Lamborghini claims a top speed of 341 km/h (212 mph) when the car is fitted with an optional smaller spoiler, or 336 km/h (209 mph) with the standard Aeropack wing.

According to Maurizio Reggiani, head of Lamborghini R&D, the LP 670–4 SV’s steering was tuned for high-speed sensitivity. The original production plan of the ultimate Murciélago was limited to 350 cars, and cost $400,000 US (before options) £270,038 in 2009. However, only 186 LP 670-4s were produced before the factory had to make room for the new Aventador production line. Numbered cars 1–350 do not represent the order in which cars were manufactured. Only 5-6 were made with manual transmission.